Peters Township softball team soars with young lineup
It has been a year of change for the Peters Township softball team.
The Indians started the season with a new coaching staff and an influx of players. Jay Krull and his coaching staff left Seton-La Salle after four years to take over at Peters Township.
However, Krull resigned because of health reasons after three games with the Indians.
That left assistants Jessica Weigold, Marrio Poston, Korie Krull and Jamie Stumme to help mold a team with no returning starters and six freshmen.
“It was definitely different for us as coach. We knew we had to rebuild. We knew we'd have to work on fundamental things and really focus on that,” said Weigold, who took over as coach.
“The key to the coaching change was them sticking with us. We had a lot of faith in them, and I think they realized that. The more they've started to believe, the better they've played.
“They didn't know what to expect coming into the season. They just really embraced our system and what we tried to teach them, which was impressive for a young group. Once they did that, they saw they could be successful.”
With no seniors on the roster and only two juniors in the starting lineup, Peters Township quickly developed.
The Indians went 7-5 in Section 4 — 10-6 overall to earn a berth to the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs.
They rallied for a 8-7, 10-inning win over Franklin Regional to start the postseason.
“It just shows they are a group of fighters. We were down most of that game. They battled back and didn't let anything get in their way. It was nice to see that fight,” Weigold said. “I think it'll help them in the future, too. We had no previous playoff experience on the team.
“For them to see anything can happen at any time is huge for them and a confidence builder.”
Anna Zierden (left field), Lindsey Thomas (center field), Kate Hondru (third base), Jill Yeates (second base), Alex Bondi (first base) and Mirjana Hutnik (catcher) are the team's starting freshmen.
Sophomore Haley Cecere (shortstop), and juniors Olivia Castellone (right field) and Kylie Hartbauer (pitcher) join them in the starting lineup.
“It's been a huge team effort. We've used all 17 girls on the team,” Weigold said. “We have to keep on developing, and I think good things will happen.”
Hartbauer has a 10-5 record in her first year as the starting pitcher.
The right-hander has struck out 72 and walked 17 in 87 innings.
“Kylie has been a leader on and off the field. She is one of the reasons why we've made it this far,” Weigold said. “She knew she had a lot of pressure on her this year because we played some really great teams. We wouldn't have made it this far without her.”
The 11th-seeded Indians face a challenge Monday against third-seeded Baldwin (11-3). They dropped both games to the Highlanders during section play this year.
“We've embraced the last couple games. We have nothing to lose. We know we'll all be back next year,” Weigold said. “This is a growing stage for us. They are really excited and they are looking forward to executing and hopefully coming out with a win.”
Joe Sager is a freelance writer.
